Village of Santarcangelo di Romagna

The heart of the historic town is set on a gentle hill named Colle Giove, the Hill of Jupiter; here you can still see the distinctive layout of a mediaeval fortified village. The Middle Ages left an indelible mark on the upper part of the town, dominated by the usual fortress, a strategic defence bastion rising from the surrounding plain.

In the twelfth century the village was already fortified; the Malatesta lords who governed here from the thirteenth century onwards enlarged and enriched the castle. Santarcangelo’s role as a town of the first importance, acquired in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, was consolidated still further in later times; during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries the original town developed and grew, while still keeping its enviable urban harmony.

Campanone Tower 19th century: although not the original tower that overlooked the oldest entrance to the first fortification (Old Campanone Gate 11th-12th century) it remains one of the town’s symbols and an unmistakable part of its skyline.

Piazza delle Monache: delightful mediaeval square surrounded by fine buildings, with a rare mediaeval well and entrance to one of the most beautiful caves.

Cervese Gate 14th century known as the “Salt Gate” because it leads onto the road that linked Santarcangelo and Cervia, famous for its salt marshes, it is the only remaining entrance to the second circle of city walls. Built by the Malatesta, it originally had a drawbridge, the guidelines for which can still be seen.

Sferisterio This is an area below the walls where the ancient ball game “palla al bracciale” (literally “bracelet ball”)was traditionally played - it was even sung about by De Amicis. Today, exciting matches of another ball game, tamburello,have taken its place.